Transfer Case Issue (Solved!)

2000 Z71 so its still OBS. After having the truck sit a few months I jumped it and cleaned the interior. I left the truck running while we cleaned it. When I went to put it in drive, it failed to go into gear. What I think may have happened, is when my wife was cleaning the dash board, she may have been pushing buttons on the transfer case controls, and perhaps put into neutral for towing or something. The transmission was rebuilt a year prior to this issue, so I dont think its that. The truck is sitting on a second property so truthfully I haven't even looked at the thing in a year+ so im just trying to see what you guys think, and where I should start. Im going to start by busting out the owners manual and pushing transfer case buttons.

I have read about encoder motor/actuator being a potential culprit. Also since its on a rural property, rats have probably gotten to it by now. I just want to be armed with as much knowledge as possible before I go out to the property this weekend to try and figure it out. Thanks guys.

Take a bidirectional scanner with you.

Fless said:

Take a bidirectional scanner with you.

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Do you have any recommendations on one? I have been getting by with just a scanner that links up with my phone, but just for code reading. I was thinking about picking up this one Amazon.com

I don't, but others might chime in. I have an Autel tablet that I use, but it's a lot more $$$.

Turn the key on and push buttons and listen for the sound of it engaging/disengaging. Put the shifter in neutral and roll the truck a little. If no sound put it in park and have someone push the buttons and tap LIGHTLY on the motor and listen. I don't think a scanner will activate the transfer case, can't remember and haven't done one in a while. Switch is the usual failure.

Eman85 said:

Turn the key on and push buttons and listen for the sound of it engaging/disengaging. Put the shifter in neutral and roll the truck a little. If no sound put it in park and have someone push the buttons and tap LIGHTLY on the motor and listen. I don't think a scanner will activate the transfer case, can't remember and haven't done one in a while. Switch is the usual failure.

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Ok I will do this procedure once the truck is running again. And switch failure im assuming the push buttons on the dash? I was thinking about replacing that just to be sure. I might just replace the actuator just to be sure also. Especially after seeing this post from the NBS forum: NBS Tahoe. They seem to be having the exact same issue, and if I remember right, the parts should be the same.

On my 2003 I had to change the dash 4x4 switch out twice in my 10 years of ownership.

The drive mode switch should have an indicator light for Neutral.

I didn't get a chance to work on the tahoe transfer cass this weekend. I took my battery to the place it was bought, they tested it and deemed it good to charge up. But it apparently cracked on the charger. They are gonna comp the battery but didn't have one in stock until during the week. So I will go back out there this weekend to work on it more. I did get the engine to start with the battery from my Silverado, was reluctant to stay running. Perhaps spoiled gas, or even pass lock. So I feel confident im not wasting time on getting this thing going again. We did spend the rest of the weekend disinfecting and de-ratting the truck. Removed all carpets, rear bench seat and sealed up the rat entrance (i cut through the floor boards to access the fuel pump a few years ago and they chewed away the gorilla tape)Very pleased with how it cleaned up. I will go back out this weekend with fresh gas and try and finish the job.

Just so you know there is another possibility, the problem on my 2003 Tahoe was a bad transfer case module underneath the dash.

Alright. I drained the old gas tank, and put the new battery in. Dealt with pass lock, engine fired up, pressed the 2HI button and away we went. I feel so idiotic for letting the thing sit for so long just because of a accidental button push. Thanks for all the help guys. Again I just wanted to be armed with as much knowledge as possible as I was working away from home, you guys covered it all, and luckily I didn't have to do too much wrenching this weekend.

Please EDIT your title! Add Solved. Thanks.